I frequently evaluate and evolve the way we approach things with our teams and our players. When we approach a process of development we prioritize the entities that exist within our club in order of importance.- Player
- Club
- Team
With this in mind I have come to the conclusion that we are required to challenge our players based on their individual ability. Those challenges may be technical, tactical, physical, mental, social or as leaders. We must create a culture in which our top players set the standard. We must first identify top players that need more than what their team can provide. Then we must provide those top players unique training and competition options. We will continue to achieve this in a number of ways moving forward.
- Offer top players the opportunity to train with older high level teams within the club.
- Offer top players the opportunity to guest play with older high level teams within the club.
- Roster top younger players on older teams.
- Introduce Elite Player Training Program in which top 18-20 player in U11-U14 age groups and U15-U18 age groups come to together to train one time per week. We will also look to have these players play together at a tournament/showcase during the season.
I sat this weekend watching Manchester United v. Aston Villa. Frederico Macheda a Manchester United 17 year old came on to score the game winner in this crucial EPL match. Every first team opportunity can only help this youngster understand what is required to be successful. In the future this young man may star for Manchester United or another club. After the game the Manchester United Manager, Alec Ferguson noted that over 60 players from their youth program have gone on to play for various clubs in English professional leagues. Not a bad track record in teaching young player to be professionals.
Although we are not dealing with young professional players we must continue to challenge our players with unique opportunities.
